In the last 20 years, tick populations have increased dramatically in Michigan. Our relatively temperate weather allows ticks to reproduce and spread with ease. The last few years have been particularly bad, with ticks encroaching into more urban areas. Nowadays, ticks can be found at your local park and even in well-kept backyards. In this blog, we'll talk about ways to avoid or repel ticks and what to do if you get bitten.
Identifying Ticks
First, let's meet our most common ticks in Michigan: the dog tick, the deer tick, and the Lone Star tick.
Overwhelmingly, the most common tick in Michigan is the dog tick. It has a wide distribution and feeds on small animals like mice and birds. They enjoy hitching a ride on dogs and humans, too. Deer ticks are prevalent but less common, and are most often found along the western coast of Michigan. However, in the last five years, deer ticks have begun spreading eastward. The Lone Star tick is a relative newcomer but has quickly spread out to all areas of Michigan.
All ticks are capable of carrying and transmitting several nasty diseases. The dog tick can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever; deer ticks can transmit Lyme disease; and Lone Star ticks can cause a condition known as "alpha-gal," which causes the person to become allergic to red meat.
Where Are They Found?
Ticks are found wherever their hosts frequent. Wooded areas, brushlands, and areas with tall grass are often populated by ticks. Anywhere that small mammals like mice and rabbits can live, you're sure to find ticks. Deer ticks are more commonly found in the woods. However, it's becoming common to find ticks in more residential areas and well-mowed urban backyards as well.
How To Repel and Prevent
What To Do If You've Been Bitten
First step: don't panic! The odds of catching a tick-borne disease in the first 24 hours of a bite are very low. The most important thing is removing the tick in a calm and safe manner. There are a lot of folk methods for removing ticks, but most of them are unsafe because they can cause the tick to regurgitate potentially tainted blood back into your body. Do not attempt to smother or use heat to remove the tick. Use a product like a Tick Key or tick spoon, or needle-nose tweezers. If using tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the base as possible and slowly but steadily pull upwards without twisting or squeezing. If any parts of the tick remain, try to remove them carefully using tweezers. If you can't get it all out, disinfect the area and wait for the skin to heal.
Contact your family doctor for advice. Some practitioners will recommend a course of antibiotics to help prevent Lyme and other infections.
A natural approach: In addition to your doctor's recommendations, consider taking a dose of homeopathic Ledum 200c, which helps with insect bites. You can also apply disinfectant essential oils to area like tea tree or lavender. Echinacea tincture or capsules taken internally can also help to stimulate a strong immune response (but skip the Echinacea if you have a pre-existing immune condition).
Watch for any new rashes, irritations, or any unusual symptoms within the next month. Early signs of infection often include fever-like symptoms. Contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Saving and Testing Ticks
Consider saving the tick and getting it tested through the mail by a company like TickCheck. You can preserve a tick by taping it to a piece of paper, putting it in an airtight container, or storing it in alcohol. Getting your tick tested can help give peace of mind, or help to inform you and your doctor about the next best steps of treatment.
CDC Recommendations & Resources
The CDC website has an extremely comprehensive database of information about ticks. Click here to view it in a new window.
After two years of being closed to foot traffic, Castle Remedies has reopened for in-store shopping. We are very much looking forward to seeing you in-person. It has been a long and challenging two years for everyone. Before you come, please review our safety measures and some recent changes.
Safety Protocols
-All customers will be required to wear an N95 or N95 equivalent mask (KN95, KF94, etc.) while inside the store. KN95 and KF94 masks are available for free for customers. Limit 1 per person.
-Acceptable masks include: N95, KN95, KF94, or double masking with a surgical mask underneath a full face cloth mask.
-A maximum limit of 4 customers will be allowed in the store at one time.
-Employees will be required to wear an N95 or equivalent mask.
-We ask that you stay home or opt for shipping if you are feeling unwell.
-We have 5 HEPA air filters running at all times.
-Commonly touched surfaces are disinfected daily.
-Hand sanitizer is available to all.
Pick Up Area Moving
We have moved the contactless pick up area. The new location is inside the building, right outside the Castle Remedies shop on the lower level. This will effectively discontinue our curbside pick up service. Ultimately this is a trade-off we will have to make because while the store is open, we cannot guarantee that an employee would be able to leave to run an order up at any given time.
Glad to Have You Back
Again, we are simply thrilled to reopen our doors and welcome everyone back. Thank you for supporting us, especially in the last two years. Our community has lost many wonderful small, local businesses to COVID-19. It is because of your continued support that we are still here serving you. Thank you!
It's that time of the year again! We've been spending all our time indoors, where our furnaces are keeping us cozy and warm... and dry. Too dry! Indoor heating is a nice modern convenience, but it also tends to quickly dehumidify the air. Ideally, our indoor winter humidity should be around 45%, but it can be very challenging to reach that goal. Many people suffer from dry skin that cracks and peels in the winter. Continue reading to discover a few tips and tricks for keeping your skin soft and moisturized from the inside out.
Tip #1: Hydrate with water
When we think of hydration and moisture, we immediately think of water. First, evaluate your daily water intake and make sure you're not falling short. Everyone's body is different and you don't need to force yourself to drink 3 gallons of water every day. Aim for between 0.5 Oz - 1 Oz per pound of body weight, per day. Remember that many foods deliver an amount of water, like soups and stews, fruits and veggies, etc.
You can measure your home's indoor humidity with a digital standalone humidity gauge which can be found for less than $10 online or in a home goods store. Many thermostats also measure humidity, especially if you have a smart thermostat. To increase your home's humidity, you can install a whole-home humidifying system on some furnaces. You can also purchase small humidifiers and run them throughout the winter, although they require daily upkeep and only affect one room.
Tip #2: Protect from the inside with healthy fats
Fats also play an essential role in hydration. In this interesting rat study, fish oil supplementation was shown to help reduce dry skin and itching, promote the skin's protective barrier functions, and helped protect against water loss through the skin. The rats who were given fish oil were found to have a different ratio of fats (higher in omega-3's) in the composition of their skin. You can also refer to this study which found a decrease of dry skin with omega-3 supplementation. (Links to both studies can be found at the end of this blog post.)
Tip #3: Moisturize with all-natural herbs and oils
Take time each day to apply topical moisturizers. My personal favorite combination for winter is aloe vera gel plus an organic simple oil. On clean, dry skin I'll first apply a layer of organic 99% aloe vera gel. Once that has dried, I'll massage the oil over it. This winter I've been using avocado oil, but there are lots of options. Jojoba oil, olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, shea butter are also excellent choices. Lotions are nice and all, but they always seem to contain alcohols which can be drying and irritating to the skin. For heavy duty moisture, reach for single oils.
Tip #4: Try Chamomile and Calendula for painful, red, rashy, cracked skin
If dry skin has progressed to the point of pain, consider taking a skin-and-soul-soothing Chamomile bath and following up with Calendula-infused olive oil. Of course, contact your doctor or dermatologist if there's a chance your issues can be caused by a health condition or allergic reaction.
Chamomile bath instructions: Get a bulk bag of dried Chamomile flowers or a box of Chamomile tea bags, steep a strong tea (2 tsp herb per 8oz water), steep for ~20 to 40 minutes, covered, and then add to warm bath water. You can also add 1 cup of finely ground oatmeal to the bath (grind it in your blender) or purchase colloidal oatmeal. Immerse your skin and soak long and often.
Resources
Oral supplementation with fish oil reduces dryness and pruritus in the acetone-induced dry skin rat model, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0923181115300207
Is Oral Omega-3 Effective in Reducing Mucocutaneous Side Effects of Isotretinoin in Patients with Acne Vulgaris?, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5996413/
Oatmeal Bath Information, https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/colloidal-oatmeal-baths
It is common to measure a person by the company they keep. Likewise, it is common to measure any subject by its advocates. And in this light, the field of homeopathic medicine is standing on the shoulders of cultural giants, of scientific and medical geniuses, of political world leaders and royalty, of religious and spiritual teachers, of literary greats, of sports superstars, of world-class musicians and artists, and of corporate and philanthropic leaders.
It is not surprising to learn that 11 American Presidents (from Lincoln to Clinton) and heads of state from France, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Mexico, India, and Pakistan have advocated for homeopathy. Seven different Popes were either known to request homeopathic treatment for themselves and/or who gave the highest awards that they could offer to non-clergy to medical doctors who prescribed homeopathic medicines to people who suffered from infectious disease epidemics during the 19th century. Further, dozens of highly respected rabbis, Muslim clergy, and Eastern spiritual leaders have been known to advocate for homeopathy, several of whom were known to be active prescribers of homeopathic medicines themselves.
Many literary greats from all over the world have been known to be serious advocates of homeopathy in their own lives, many of whom were known to integrate stories of the use of homeopathic medicines in their writings. Advocates of homeopathy includes Mark Twain, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Washington Irving, Emily Dickinson, and Louisa May Alcott, while just some of the European literary masters who appreciated homeopathy includes George Bernard Shaw, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Anton Chekhov.
Even major medical doctors and world-class scientists advocated for and/or experienced the profound benefits from homeopathic treatment, including Charles Darwin, Sir William Osler, Emil Grubbe, MD (the first doctor to use radiation in medical treatment), Harold Randall Griffith, MD (one of the fathers of anesthesia), Charles Frederick Menninger, MD (founder of the famed mental health institution called the Menninger Clinic), and C. Everett Koop, MD (former Surgeon General).
If the above names and reputations and their connections to homeopathic medicines were not known, here are some Nobel Prize winners who were known advocates of homeopathic medicines and their connections to this medical specialty.
To continue reading the list the Nobel Prize winners and their comments about homeopathy on Dana Ullman's website, click the "Read" button below.
I'm happy to share this recipe for a dessert we lovingly call "Choco-beans" around my house. This recipe combines fiber and antioxidant-rich ingredients to create an indulgent treat that hits the spot when you're craving something sweet! Have you ever made brownies and wanted to eat all the batter before you could even bake them? This tastes kind of like that, except it's healthier and safe to eat! Adzuki beans form the base of the recipe, offering a creamy texture and mild, sweet taste. They're also easier to digest than most other beans.
Ingredients
Directions
Background
Reishi is one of those special herbs that has a deep, wide range of actions that benefit multiple body systems and is also gentle enough for most people to enjoy taking it long-term. (I say "most" because there's always the small chance of any individual not tolerating an herb, or having what's called an "idiosyncratic," or unusual reaction.)
Known as "the mushroom of immortailty," Reishi has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for several thousand years and is held in high regard for supporting health and longevity. It's a rare fungus that mainly on hardwood trees like oak and maple. Due to its rareness and popularity, most Reishi is cultivated instead of taken from the wild.
Reishi is easy to take as a supplement, but working with raw dried Reishi can be a bit challenging. It has a bitter taste and woody texture that is almost impossible to cut through. On top of that, it needs to be simmered in hot water for several hours if you want to make tea. A good way to incorporate it into your diet is to purchase pre-cut or powdered Reishi and add it to long-cooking soups, stews, or broths.
Reishi has no currently known side effects, drug interactions, or contraindications other than mushroom allergies. Although Reishi has a great track record of safety, it's always a good idea to check with your healthcare practitioner before adding a new supplement, especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have serious health conditions, or are taking prescription medications.
Benefits
Reishi helps regulate the immune system and gently promotes a state of balance and health. It is a rich source of beta glucans, a polysaccharide that increases immune activity. Reishi's action can be described as "immunomodulatory," meaning that it influences the immune system by increasing or decreasing activity when appropriate.
Reishi is an herbal adaptogen. An adaptogenic herb is one that improves the body's response to various physical or emotional stressors and improve energy levels. Adaptogens affect multiple body systems and help build the ability to adapt and handle stress better.
This mushroom has been found to protect the liver from damage and support the liver's activities which include detoxifying the body, cleansing the blood, and producing bile for digestion (Jin, Hai, e.t all, 2013) . It blends well with Milk Thistle extract and Turmeric for liver health. Reishi is also rich in antioxidant compounds and has a general anti-inflammatory effect.
Reishi has a calming effect on the central nervous system. It promotes mental clarity and can help relieve stress-induced insomnia and anxiety (Matsuzaki, et all, 2013). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it's known to "calm the shen." Shen is an all-encompassing term describing the spirit. It is said that the spirit needs to settle in order for deep, restorative sleep. Reishi is one herb that is used to nourish and settle the spirit, or the "shen."
Reishi has been studied for its benefits to the cardiovascular system (the heart and blood vessels.) It has been found to promote mild lowering of blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance (Chu, et all, 2012).
Sources Cited
Chu, T.T., Benzie, I.F., et al, Study of Potential Cardioprotective Effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): Results of a
Controlled Human Intervention Trial, Brit J Nutr, 2012;107:1017-27
Jin, Hai, et al. “Protective Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum Spore on Cadmium Hepatotoxicity in Mice.” Food and Chemical Toxicology, vol. 52, 2013, pp. 171–175., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2012.05.040.
Matsuzaki, H., Shimizu, Y., et al, Antidepressant-Like Effects of a Water-Soluble Extract From the Culture Medium of
Ganoderma lucidum Mycelia in Rats, BMC Complement Alternat Med, 2013;13:370-8
Additional Research
Chang, C.J., Ganoderma lucidum Reduces Obesity in Mice by Modulating the Composition of the Gut Microbiota, Nat Commun, 2015 Jun 23;6:7489
Chen, M.L., Lin, B.F., Effects of Triterpenoid-Rich Extracts of Ganoderma tsugae on Airway Hyperreactivity and Th2Responses in Vivo, Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 2007;143(1):21-30
Although I am not a fan of most vaccines, this is a challenging time. Good science has developed a safe and effective vaccine, and I will accept it. My reasoning is that I am a health care worker and want to be safe for my patients and our community. It is basically a public health issue. While most vaccines are to help the person, this will help others not get sick or die. Therefore, this vaccine protects you. However as someone who practices holistic and preventive medicine, I see getting the vaccine as a spiritual experience of kindness to helping others not get sick. Too many people have died in all age categories. I will do telemedicine for those who choose not to be vaccinated. I have to protect my staff, family and patients. Especially those too young for the vaccine. Again, to me this is a spiritual act of kindness to others.
Do not take Tylenol or ibuprofen the day before the shot, but OK afterwards if needed. We needed to vaccinate those at risk first. With age and other medical problems, you are a greater risk to die from COVID-19 than the worries about side effects. It is up to you to decide. I agree that there are many unknowns, but with the risk/benefit ratio it appears best for most everyone.
I personally am extremely healthy. When it was time to vaccinate myself (2 shots were necessary), I took Ledum 30 C before and after the injection and a few hours later and if I have a sore arm as needed. The next day I took Thuja 200 C twice a day to offset any undesirable response for a few days. Remember that having side effects or not, the vaccine is equally effective.
Of course, I will continue to take my supplements and will practice safety of masking, social distancing, etc. However, as a physician, it will be necessary to be in close contact for evaluating symptoms and performing physical exams.
PS: I had both my vaccines and followed this regime and had no side effects. A little sore injection site that didn’t limit me at all. Remember we still need to use precautions even after getting the vaccine.
Be safe and stay healthy!
-Lev
Important Notes:
*Ledum 30C and Thuja 200C.
Both of these homeopathic remedies (Ledum 30C and Thuja 200C) are available at Castle Remedies. Call (734) 973-8990 to place an order for contactless pick up or shipping. We recommend the smallest size bottle (20 doses of each remedy, $12 altogether) if only 1 or 2 people are getting vaccinated. We have 40 dose and 80 dose bottles available as well.
*Each person is an individual who may react differently to vaccination. Communicate with your healthcare provider to learn what you can expect and contact the appropriate medical provider if you believe you are having an unusual reaction.
*Dr. Linkner's office is not administering COVID-19 vaccines. For information about when and how you can get vaccinated, visit your county's health department website. For Washtenaw county residents: https://www.washtenaw.org/3269/COVID-19-Vaccination
Download a printable version that you can share with family and friends.
These are my recommendations and not a prescription.
The following is antiviral, boosts immune system and decreases inflammation. Get from Castle Remedies: 734 973 8990
View recommended products from Castle Remedies. Call for pricing.
*These are Dr. Linkner's personal recommendations for your consideration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. This information should never preclude seeking medical care. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before starting new herbs, supplements or medications, especially if you are taking prescription medications, have a serious pre-existing health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Over several years, I repeatedly came across the same snippet of advice buried in different homeopathic articles and books: use Staphysagria to prevent mosquito bites. It was never accompanied by any explanation or directions, no cited sources, nor accounts of first-hand experience. I had questions.
Which potency? How often should I take it? Why Staphysagria? Has anyone actually tried this?
I reached out to the experts (Dr. Lev Linkner and Dr. Dennis Chernin!) and learned that a doctor named Henry Trexler conducted a field study on the matter and published his results in The Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy in 1965. Very, very interesting, although the study was not readily available to read. After an email to the president of the American Institute of Homeopathy, we were rewarded with a copy of the full study, which you can read below.
The study is a 5 - 10 minute read. It's interesting to consider the individual factors that can make the remedy more or less effective at repelling insects. While it's not perfect protection, what really is? I know I will be one of the first in line to try it out.
As a bit of background, I first became interested in the varying degree of susceptibility to insect bites of men as a boy on the farm. I observed that certain individuals, as well as animals, seemed not to attract insects. This was especially noticeable in the case of bedbugs, honey bees, flies, and mosquitoes.
I remember my father telling about his cattle buying trips. In that particular section of the country, the hotel accommodations at that time were not the best He would say, “If there was one bedbug in the entire hotel, it would find me, while others were not bitten.”
About age 14, while helping to place a colony of honey bees into a hive, I was exposed to many of them crawling over my body without a single sting. When I was two or three years old, I was very badly stung by many bees with considerable edema of my entire body. I remember some of the boys in our crowd were very seldom bitten by flies or mosquitoes while several others received many bites.
I thought there was a close association between the intake of foods, liquids, drugs, etc. by mouth and its reaction through the skin of the body. I also recognized the possibility of this altering the chemistry of the body to deter insects from biting or animals from being friendly with humans.
This is very important both in military and civilian life. The insect menace, particularly mosquitoes, and their effect on the human race has presented quite a problem through the ages. Present military tactics make it extremely difficult to give mass protection. Individual protection for the military as well as civilians is more important than ever before.
It is a known fact that mosquitoes are carriers of certain diseases. But aside from this, simply preventing the inflammation and itching caused by mosquito bites is to eradicate a great and widespread human discomfort.
Dr. J. A. McKiel of the Department of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa, published an article in Modem Medicine, 9/1/59, stating that the mosquito bite produces an allergic reaction rather than skin irritation from a poisonous substance. According to reports, laboratory animals can be sensitized by injections of mosquito extract or by subjecting them to repeated bites.
Literature reveals the use of antihistamines to relieve the itching and discomfort of bites of mosquitoes.
When I began the practice of medicine, I became interested in drugs that might be used as a mosquito deterrent since the mosquito is a notorious carrier of disease. The use of a particular drug in my practice led me to believe that this might have the desired potentialities.
About 1942, my wife and I first used it internally for the purpose of deterring mosquitoes and noticed rather peculiar properties in its continued use, and I began to write down my observations.
The name is Delphinium staphysagria (Stavesacre). Literature reveals that it was known in the time of Hippocrates 400 B. C. It was introduced into homeopathic practice by Samuel Hahnemann in 1890 and has been used by the homeopaths ever since. Its early use, 1 to 3 gr., was an extremely toxic dose and because of the ensuing violent reactions, prescribing of it was temporarily discontinued.
To my knowledge and in the course of my research, I have been unable to find any literature where this drug has been used as a mosquito deterrent. The use to which this product is intended is to build temporary bodily immunity against the attacks and bites of mosquitoes and other insects. It not only is effective in preventing bites, but reduces the inflammation, itching, and swelling of bites received.
When the drug is taken internally it apparently is excreted through the skin and is offensive to mosquitoes. The short period of time it takes to produce the desired result after introduction into the body leads me to believe that it is excreted through the skin instead of changing the chemistry of the body.
One of the most difficult problems of this experimental work has been to ascertain the dosage.
The dosage of Staphysagria, as stated in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia is lx and higher. The term “higher” to the homeopath means to be a higher x power which is actually a smaller dose. One x would be comparable to a tenth of a grain; 2x a hundredth of a grain, and 3x one thousandth of a grain.
I have been using the homeopathic preparation equivalent to 1/1,000 gr. and have never found any toxic symptoms even when the number of tablets used per day was varied considerably. I might also add that in twenty-three years, I have never encountered any toxicity, nor cumulative effect when used in this dosage. I have tried different ways of using the tablets; the most effective being to dissolve them under the tongue at least 1 or 2 hours prior to exposure. The length of time of effectiveness seemed to vary with the individual.
The original work on this project was done with 3x dilution of Staphysagria on #6 discs. #6 disc is a convenient way of dispensing homeopathic dilutions as discs absorb approximately 1 drop or less of the dilution when it is poured over them. A sufficient amount should be poured into a vial to thoroughly medicate each disc. Later the 3x TT° was used; still later the 2x TT. The 2x gave better results than the 3x.
A pharmaceutical house checked the absorbing power of Staphysagria 3x dilution on #6 discs over a 36 hour period with the following results: “The #6 discs absorb % minim which would, decimally expressed, equal .00067 gr. of the drug, or expressed in common fractions approximately 1/1500 gr. per disc.
I checked the absorbing power of the #6 disc and 3x dilution of Staphysagria referring to the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia and found the following:
“In every instance, the dry crude substance is to be taken as the starting point from whence to calculate its strength, and with very few exceptions, the mother tinctures contain all the soluble matter of one gram of the dry plant in ten cubic centimeters of the tincture.”
1 gm. to lOcc.
10 gm. to lOOcc.
100 gm. to lOOOcc. *
*TT=tablet triturate 148 JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY, MAY-JUNE 1965
The tincture, therefore, representing as it does, one-tenth part.
I am convinced that laboratory experiments are not of much value because there are too many individual factors; e.g. weather conditions, species of mosquitoes, type of person, etc.
Tests in Orlando, Florida, in the laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture, on animals were very unsatisfactory. They used two pills twice a day which is equivalent of 0.4 mg. of the drug per tablet. In each test, one pill was administered to a domestic rabbit every four hours for 3-4 days. On each day of treatment, after the first day, a comparison was made of the biting rate of mosquitoes on the treated rabbit. Screen wire cages containing 60 to 80 Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, five days old, were exposed to the clipping of the rabbit and the number of mosquitoes that fed were recorded. Two cages were exposed for five minutes on the untreated rabbit and vice versa. The results were not satisfactory.
The usual arm experiment where the arm is thrust into a cage is usually unsuccessful. It may be unsuccessful because a small portion of the body only is exposed while the whole body excreting the drug may be needed to build a sufficient protection to ward off the mosquitoes.
An official of a Canadian Chemical Company, in conjunction with the Department of Entomology of a University, has used this (2x TT; 3x dilution #6 discs) with very unsatisfactory results. Tuesday 5:00 P. M. arm in cage—15 bites. Two tablets 6:00 P. M., 11:00 P. M.; Wednesday, two tablets 8:00, 11:00, 1:00, 3:30. Arm inserted—12 bites—4 minutes.
A staff member of the National Institute of Health, used 1 guinea pig, one rabbit, and two men as test hosts. Dosage 8—14 tablets before the start of the tests. Each receiving the same quantity per day of the drug. The test insects were the mosquitoes Aedes Aegypti and Anopheles Quadrimaculatus, and four species of blood-sucking hemiptera. In the case of one man, no reduction in biting occurred. In the case of the three other hosts and all six species of insects, significantly fewer bites were received after the treatment. 3x TT, also 3x dilution on #6 discs were used.
In a Research, Development and Control Laboratory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the following results were obtained: Within the scope of the tests, it appeared that when the tablets were taken in accordance with the directions, they will not prevent insect visitation on humans, but will materially decrease insect bites by mosquitoes and stable flies in about 70% of humans exposed. Greater protection seems to be derived by males than by females.
With field testing, it was impossible to check on the different factors involved, such as wind velocity, the humidity of the air, etc. However, in my experimentations and field tests, the percentage of effectiveness has been considerably higher. There is definitely an individual factor involved which is very important.
Resume of my record of experimental field testing in my practice and acquaintances is as follows:
I find that I have used it in 32 states, Puerto Rico, and 11 foreign countries with an approximate total of 461 people. It was approximately 90% effective. In many instances it deterred flies and other insects from annoying the patient. This was true of the Mexican fleas, the midges in Finland, the little red bugs in Florida, and the gnats and green flies in the Poconos.
In one instance a man claimed the wasps did not annoy him while working near them, having previously been stung by them.
In a few instances, the 3x TT tablets were taken for one month without any reactions. One adult male took 3x TT, two t.i.d. for three weeks with no reaction. A female took 2x dilution and was free from mosquito bites. She later took Sulfa and grippe pills with no result with Staphysagria. Another patient had good results, but after being given Terramycin had no results with the tablets. A patient in the Strategic Air Command took 3x TT with good results. He was given antibiotics and subsequently had poor results after taking the deterrent. A 12 year old, without my knowledge, took two tablets, 3x TT, two or three times a day, for two weeks with no reaction. One patient took two tablets, 3x TT, every hour during his working day. I advised against this. However, he stated it was necessary because he perspired freely and is a big man weighing about 200 pounds. The reason for this frequent repetition of the dose is because, as soon as the mosquitoes sat on him, he took two more tablets. They would alight on him, but did not bite. One patient had good results except during menses when it was only 50% effective. A 25 year old school teacher, black hair, weighing 130 pounds, had excellent results with the 3x dilution #6 in New Jersey. She developed a throat infection and was given Aureomycin. About a month later she used the 3x TT with no results. The following summer while out West, she took 3x TT but was taking iron pills at the same time. Her results were only fair.
Two adults for five years previously had good results with the tablets. On their last trip across country, from Pennsylvania to the State of Washington, they had good results while taking the tablets. The following year they had poor results. They seemed to attribute this to polio injections they received prior to traveling.
A boy scout troop of eight, traveling from Pennsylvania to New Mexico and return, used the tablets with good results.
In nine cases the bites definitely improved within 24 hours after taking the tablets.
Summary
Conclusions
At present, many of my patients faithfully come to my office for a supply of medicine before going on vacation year after year.
Needless to say, the financial and physical resources of one man are too limited to carry out a large scale testing.
The time, effort, and financial expenditures over the last 23 years, in this research for a mosquito deterrent, has been a gratifying and worthwhile experience.
Table of Results
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY
MAY-JUNE 1965 STAPHYSAGRIA AND MOSQUITOES
‘Presented to the Bureau of Drug Pathogenesis and Therapeutics, 116th Anniversary Meeting, A. I. H., 6/26/60 to 7/1/60, Skytop Lodge, Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania.
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About: Featuring a clean, plant-derived lotion base and an easy-to-use airless, measured pump top. You know exactly how much magnesium you're applying. The lotion base cuts down on any potential skin irritation and absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, moisturized and nourished. Considerations: People with known allergies to the lotion base ingredients should not use this product. Contains jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. It's a little more expensive per dose than the gel or spray. Ingredients: Water, Genuine Zechstein magnesium chloride, organic vegetable glycerin, organic simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, olive squalane, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, organic cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol, organic butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), xanthan gum, lactobacillus ferment, cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit extract, sodium hyaluronate |
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Our Verdict: This was probably our favorite thanks to easy application and the nice lotion base. Topical magnesium can be itchy and irritating, but the soothing plant oils in the lotion seemed to counteract that. It absorbed pretty quickly, in under a minute of massaging the area. If you are not allergic to any ingredients in the lotion, this is the form we would recommend starting with. Picture #1: Untouched, right after application. Picture #2: After ~5 seconds of rubbing. Picture #3: After ~30 seconds of rubbing. |
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About: We're offering the gel preparation for our clients who may be allergic or sensitive to the ingredients in the lotion base. Dispensed in a squeeze tube, the gel goes on clear and absorbs rapidly. The aloe is soothing to the skin and reduces potential skin irritation from the magnesium. Considerations: People with known allergies to ingredients in the gel should avoid this product. You would need to measure it yourself in order to know the exact amount of magnesium being applied. The gel is not sticky. When it has dried completely, there's a very thin, non-sticky film left on the skin. Ingredients: Water, Genuine Zechstein® magnesium chloride, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, certified organic aloe barbadensis leaf juice. |
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Our Verdict: The gel is a close runner up to the lotion. We like that it's low-allergen alternative and it would be a good choice if you need to put clothes on the area quickly after applying the magnesium. Both the lotion and the gel absorb pretty quickly, but the gel is a little faster. It was a mildly tingly (which is normal). Picture #1: Untouched, right after application. Picture #2: After ~5 seconds of rubbing. Picture #3: After ~30 seconds of rubbing. |
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Magnesium Spray |
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About: Magnesium oil spray is the classic topical magnesium and is a frequently requested product. Talk about a limited ingredient list! It's very simple: just water and magnesium. It can be sprayed directly onto the skin, or mixed with the lotion, oil or gel of your choice. Make your own magnesium lotion! Cool. Considerations: We found the spray to be the most potentially irritating and tingly formula. The instructions say that mild tingling is normal and recommend wiping off the area after 20 minutes have passed. Three staff members tested it out. One staff member who tried it had cat scratches that burned when the spray touched them, experienced mild tingling and no skin irritation. One staff member developed an itchy, red rash. The third staff member experienced mild tingling but no skin irritation. All three noted that the excess unabsorbed magnesium stayed on top of the skin after the spray dried, forming a white flakey area that looked kind of like dry skin. (This is normal, according to the manufacturer, and can be wiped off after 20 minutes.) Ingredients: Water, Genuine Zechstein magnesium chloride (and trace minerals) |
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Our Verdict: Not our personal favorite, but a good option for people who want a simple ingredient list or the ability to make their own magnesium lotion. Topical magnesium can be irritating, and the spray appears to have the highest potential for skin irritation. However, many people seem to tolerate it quite well. Picture #1: Untouched, right after application. Picture #2: After ~5 seconds of rubbing. Picture #3: ~10 minutes after application. Notice the red spots developing near the wrist. |
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Please be aware of the following changes to our schedule due to the holidays:
| Date | Hours | |
| 12/24/20 | Christmas Eve | 9AM - 3PM |
| 12/25/20 | Christmas Day | CLOSED |
| 12/31/20 | New Years Eve | 9AM - 3PM |
| 01/01/20 | New Years Day | CLOSED |
Many Michiganders are unfortunately familiar with the acronym "PFAS" (which stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance), because several sources of our drinking water have been contaminated by these dangerous chemicals. A lot of the water contamination has been sourced back to factories illegally dumping chemical waste and routine testing of firefighting chemicals.
There have been many news stories in the last several years due to scandals involving township governments that have ignored or tried to cover up PFAS contamination in their drinking water. If you are not already filtering your drinking water, now is a great time to start! Although awareness about drinking water is rising, not many people realize that many everyday household products also contain PFAS.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that were invented in the 1950s and have become common in industrial and household products worldwide. They have properties that make them useful in applications like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, certain cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and any number of product designed to resist grease, water, and oil.
A large number of studies have evaluated the confirmed health risks of high blood levels of PFAS, which include:
Most commercially available dental floss has been coated with chemicals that contain PFAS in order to make it glide more easily around teeth. Dental floss picks are even worse - not only are you ingesting PFAS chemicals, each single-use pick generates unnecessary plastic waste.
If you're shocked to learn this truth about your floss, consider switching to a more eco-friendly and health-conscious alternative. We currently carry two varieties of naturally waxed and naturally flavored floss from Desert Essence. We may bring in more varieties in the future as well!
Tea Tree Oil Dental Tape
Here's a list of the most common sources of exposure, according to the CDC:
1. Drinking contaminated municipal water or private well water
2. Eating fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS (PFOS, in particular)
3. Accidentally swallowing contaminated soil or dust
4. Eating food that was packaged in material that contains PFAS. *Note: Many fast-food and carry-out food & drink containers have an inner coating that contains PFAS. How can you tell? Usually these containers are made from cardboard or paper and have a waxy coating on the inside that prevents the paper from absorbing liquid or grease.
5. Using some consumer products such as non-stick cookware, stain resistant carpeting, and water repellant clothing. *Note: If you are using non-stick cookware, especially if the coating has been damaged and is flaking off, switch ASAP to a non-coated option such as stainless steel, ceramic or cast iron.
Research has suggested that exposure to PFOA and PFOS from today’s consumer products is usually low, especially when compared to exposures to contaminated drinking water. Some products that may contain PFAS include:
Michigan PFAS Action Reponse Team
https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/
CDC: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html
Further Reading: TreeHugger Article About PFAS in Dental Floss
https://www.treehugger.com/does-your-dental-floss-contain-pfcs-4858586
Further Reading: Lindsay Dahl Article About PFAS in Dental Floss
https://lindsaydahl.com/dental-floss-oral-b-pfas-safer-alternatives/
Blog Post by Caitlin Potere
